"According to Marvel it would 'confuse the audience' into believing that it's an official Marvel production," Pecci wrote on his website.

"At first, I was flattered that the quality of our work might even compare to the millions they spend on production and advertising, but then the reality of it all set in.

"Marvel legal was demanding that I don't release the film! Since when does Marvel go after fan films? Wasn't there a recent and heavily promoted Punisher fan film with Thomas Jane? What could I do about this?"

However, Pecci claims to have shown the film to Rucka and Checchetto, and received positive feedback from both.

He is now hoping to show the film to Marvel with a view to releasing it in one form or another.